One of Redcar’s most famous sons will be remembered at the unveiling of a memorial.

On Friday at 3.30pm, a memorial to the late Sir Rex Hunt – Governor of the Falkland Islands at the time of the Falklands conflict – will be publicly unveiled in a service of dedication in Zetland Park, Redcar.

The memorial has been commissioned from the annual budgets of Zetland ward councillors on Redcar and Cleveland Council, Josh Mason and Ron Harrison.

Sir Rex’s widow, Lady Mavis, will attend the celebration which will include Royal British Legion standard bearers, a service of memorial and dedication by the vicar of St Peter’s Church, the Rev Rachel Harrison, and a tea provided by the ladies of Zetland Park Methodist Church in the church hall.

Cllr Mason said: “Sir Rex Hunt was born on Laburnum Road, in Redcar, and we feel it’s really important that those who have contributed to our rich local history and culture are remembered. We would like to extend an open invitation to come and join us for this dedication, especially to those with links to the Falklands War.”

Councillors Josh Mason and Ron Harrison with the memorial in Zetland Park to Sir Rex Hunt

The memorial is in the shape of a lectern, complete with governor’s sword hanging by its side. It also features several facts about Sir Rex’s life – and what a life it was.

Born in Redcar in 1926, he was educated at the town’s Sir William Turner School before spells at Oxford University and in the RAF were followed by diplomatic jobs around the world.

But his distinguished career was transformed in 1980 when he became Governor of the Falkland Islands, a role he occupied when Argentine forces invaded two years later.

Sir Rex took the painful decision to surrender but, famously, he refused to shake the hand of invading commander General Oswald Garcia.

The islands were then recaptured by British forces – and Sir Rex’s place in history was assured.

In his retirement years, he lived with Lady Mavis at Elton, near Stockton. He died on Remembrance Sunday last year, aged 86.

His funeral at All Saint’s Church, Hutton Rudby, was attended by military personnel, war veterans and dignitaries.